The Dyer Island Conservation Trust is proud to announce that the Royal Portfolio Foundation Lookout Tower has finally been completed on Dyer Island, marking a critical step forward in protecting the critically endangered African Penguin. This project was made possible thanks to the Royal Portfolio Foundation’s full funding of the initiative. “Their generosity turned an ambitious idea into a working reality, and we are deeply grateful,” says Wilfred Chivell, Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.
Megan, Ali and Corinne from RPF, releasing penguins with Xolani Lawu from the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
Constructing the five-metre-high tower was not without challenges. The team had to carefully work around breeding seasons, shifting tides, and unpredictable sea conditions. Early winter seemed ideal, but the weather brought two full weeks of “no sea days.” Through determination, teamwork, and countless trips back and forth, the tower finally rose into place. A few finishing touches remain, such as installing monitoring cameras and a handrail, but the tower is already fully operational and making a significant difference.
Visiting Dyer Island
From its elevated vantage point, the lookout tower gives our Senior Seabird Ranger, Lwando Baleni, together with our partners at CapeNature, a clear view across Dyer Island. This enables them to monitor penguin colonies more effectively, respond quickly to threats such as predation or human disturbance, and collect more accurate data on breeding, chick survival, and population trends. Ultimately, the tower strengthens both daily monitoring and long-term research—vital tools in the battle to save the African Penguin.
The importance of this project cannot be overstated. The African Penguin population has declined by over 97% in the past century due to overfishing, habitat loss, and predation. Dyer Island remains one of their last strongholds. Every conservation tool, from artificial nests to ranger patrols and now this lookout tower, helps tip the scales toward their survival.
In our Royal Portfolio Look Out Tower.
The Royal Portfolio Foundation has long shown its deep commitment to penguin conservation. In addition to funding the tower, they have generously sponsored our Senior Seabird Ranger on Dyer Island, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring and protection for these vulnerable birds.
This tower is more than just a structure—it is a symbol of hope. It represents what can be achieved when committed partners come together for conservation. The Royal Portfolio Foundation has once again demonstrated its heart for wildlife and its belief in a better future for our oceans.
Lwando Baleni, our Dyer Island Conservation Trust Senior Seabird Ranger on Dyer Island.
On behalf of Marine Dynamics, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Royal Portfolio Foundation for looking out for our penguins.
We were honoured to have Ali McAdam, Chairperson of the Royal Portfolio Foundation, Emma Gelb, Sustainability Co-ordinator, and Corinne Conradie, Villa Manager at Birkenhead House, join us for the special release of 12 young penguins on Dyer Island and to visit the Look Out Tower!
Corinne, Wilfred Chivell (CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Turst), Ali McAdam (Chairperson of the Royal Portfolio Foundation) and Emma.
Thank you to the incredible team at the Royal Portfolio Foundation for helping us protect our marine heritage!
